Oliver Glasner has been named the new manager of Nottingham Forest – the one club Crystal Palace did not want him to join.
The Austrian left Selhurst Park at the end of last season after leading Palace to the Conference League, his third trophy in a little more than two years at the club.
By then Palace knew Glasner would be leaving but his decision to join Forest on what is believed to be a three-year deal will guarantee him a hot reception when he returns next season.
Palace expected to be in the Europa League last season but were relegated to the Conference League because US businessman John Textor held a stake in both the Eagles and Lyon. UEFA rules prevented both from competing for the same title – and Forest were promoted to the Europa League as a result.
Glasner said: ‘From my very first conversations with the owner and the leadership team, it was evident to me that they have a clear vision for this football club and complete trust and belief in me and my staff to build a strong future together over the long term.
‘That trust and shared commitment, together with the potential that I see within the squad, were key factors for me and I am excited about what we can achieve together. Our aim is to build a team that can help take the club to the next level in the years ahead.’
Oliver Glasner won three trophies with Crystal Palace and his move will not be popular there
Glasner is Forest’s fifth permanent boss in less than a year after succeeding Vitor Pereira. Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and Sean Dyche all came and went before Pereira steered Forest to safety, but it was not enough to land him the job long-term.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis said: ‘It has always been our goal to establish Nottingham Forest once again among the leading clubs in England and Europe.
‘Our ambition is not simply to compete – our ambition is to win, to challenge for major honours and to create a football club that our supporters can be proud of for many years to come.
‘In our discussions with Oliver, it was clear that we share the same vision, the same ambition and the same relentless desire to succeed. He has consistently demonstrated throughout his career that he can build outstanding teams and deliver success against the strongest competition.’
